Assistant Director, Research Development-Engineering and Physical Sciences

Job Description:

About Brown

Brown University is a leading research university distinct for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Our students, faculty and staff are driven by the idea that their work will have an impact in the world. Brown University offers a flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break and a comprehensive Benefits package including time off, annual paid holidays; benefits offerings including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, wellness, employee discounts and more.  To learn about Brown University’s benefits, visit the University Human Resources web page for further information.

About the Opportunity

The Assistant Director, Research Development (School of Engineering and Physical Sciences) is a member of the Research Strategy and Development team (RSD) within the Division of Research. The purpose of RSD is to catalyze creative scholarship by empowering individuals and teams to lead strategic research endeavors with global impact. The group works with faculty, the Vice President for Research, and senior leaders to provide research leadership, build research capacity, and enable federal funding for research at Brown. Our group offers strategic planning and team support for collaborative research proposals; identifies and disseminates federal funding opportunities; consults with individual faculty on their proposal development strategies; manages competitive and/or limited submission processes; develops and maintains relationships with mission-driven federal funding agencies; and helps connect and leverage Brown’s research investments across the university to help coordinate and optimize federally funded research.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Research Development, the Assistant Director, in coordination with senior leadership within the units, will support the research goals of faculty of the School of Engineering and the Departments within the Physical Sciences, including Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and the Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences. The Assistant Director also supports the research activities of all Centers, Initiatives and Institutes (e.g. ARIA, an NSF AI Institute) that reports to the assigned units. The Assistant Director, Research Development will undertake the following responsibilities:

Faculty relationship management: establish collaborative relationships with faculty who are eligible to submit federal funding proposals; reach out to new faculty to provide guidance on a career in research; support current individual faculty proposals; learn about faculty research agendas in assigned portfolio, and identify potential funding targets.

Proposal development: provide research development support and coaching for proposals in assigned disciplines; identify federal funding opportunities, assist in the writing of non-technical components; develop broader impacts, community engagement, and recruitment strategies by liaising with other offices and community partners.

Institutional relationships: support the RSD leadership in building and strengthening relationships with mission-driven agencies, such as NASA,  DoD and DoE and their affiliate laboratories.

Technical workshops: assist in the creation of workshops, support and coaching for faculty research and teaming; focus on skills such as NSF proposal writing, broader impacts, proposal writing for mission-driven agencies.

Job Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Graduate degree in the physical sciences, engineering, or related field required: PhD preferred.

• At least 5+ years of related experience in a university, federal agency, or research institute.

• Experiential knowledge (proposal writing, program management, agency experience) of federal funding agencies (NSF, NASA, DoD, DoE) required.

Job Competencies

• Microsoft and Google suite tools; competent with spreadsheets and databases.

• Ability to work independently, coordinating and prioritizing multiple projects.

• Strong organizational and customer service skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex health research concepts for non-technical components of a grant.

Additional Information 

Applicants are asked to include a resume and cover letter with their application. 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown University.

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-04-21

Job Posting Title:

Assistant Director, Research Development-Engineering and Physical Sciences

Department:

Office of Research Strategy and Development

Grade:

Grade 11

Worker Type:

Employee

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Position Work Location:

Hybrid

Submission Guidelines:

The designated Position Work Location for each position determines the approved modality of work. Positions are classified based on the operational and business needs of the department and may be designated as on-site, hybrid, or remote.

Employees with a designated position work location as remote must reside and perform their work in a state where Brown University is registered to do business. Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C.

Please note that to be considered for a staff position at Brown University, you must submit a separate application for each position you wish to be considered for. Applications are reviewed only for the specific position to which they are submitted and are not automatically considered for future openings.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact [email protected].

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.